1 ETHNIC CONFLICTS IN EURASIA SIS 619-011/ 419-059, Spring 2012 Class time: T 2:35 pm – 5:15 pm Instructor: Ekaterina Romanova Location: Watk 106 E-mail: [email protected] Office Hours: T 12:00 – 2:00 pm, TH 1:00 - 5:00 pm or by appointment Office: EQB, 208B Office Number: 202-885-6577 Course Description: The main foci of this course are ethnopolitical conflicts in the Former Soviet Union (FSU) space. In this course, we will examine conflicts that escalated to armed violence (such as Chechnya, Nagorno-Karabakh, South Ossetia, Abkhazia, Transnistria and Kyrgyzstan), as well as latent ones (such as conflicts in the North Caucasus, and Crimea). Throughout the semester, we will explore causes, dynamics, development and some of the consequences of these conflicts; discuss factors of ethnic violence, nationalism, issues of self-determination and sovereignty, and identity politics in the FSU. Though the timeframe that the course considers starts with the fall of the Soviet Union, we will look at the USSR‟s nationality policies and ethnic relations prior to 1991, since many conflicts originated before the FSU republics gained their independence. The course is designed in four parts. Part I examines ethnic relations and ethnic politics in the Soviet Union as a precursor of ethnic tension of the Soviet Union demise. In this unit, we will also discuss such issues as minority rights and the quest for autonomy or sovereignty. Part II focuses on ethnic conflicts in the western region of Eurasia – Transnistria and Crimea. Part III is dedicated to the conflicts in the Caucasus. In this section, we will address the armed and latent conflicts in the mountainous region of Eurasia. Part IV will conclude the course with an examination of the recent ethnic violence in Kyrgyzstan in 2010. Course Objectives  Familiarize students with the root causes of ethnic conflicts in Eurasia  Increase understanding of the history, context, and development of ethnic conflicts and ethnic relations in Eurasia  Help students think and speak critically and systematically about ethnopolitics in Eurasia  Conduct an in-depth study of one of the conflicts in Eurasia Learning Outcomes By the end of this course, students will:  Be aware of the history, development and current state of ethnic conflicts in Eurasia  Have knowledge of ethnic relations in Eurasia  Understand how ethnic tensions contribute to the escalation or resolution of conflicts in a unique and dynamic region  Identify and trace persistent characteristics of ethnopolitical violence in Eurasia Course Requirements (1) Course Participation (20%) – Students are expected to do all of the required readings and to come to each class prepared for a detailed discussion of the course readings. Simply attending the class is not equal to participation. Students are responsible for weekly updates pertinent to ethnopolitical situations and case-studies under discussions. (2) Leading Class Discussion (15%) - Each student will be asked to choose a week to lead the discussion of the readings assigned for that day. Students must include a brief presentation on the main2 points of the readings as well as pose questions relevant to course objectives and materials. Presentations should be no more than 10 minutes and should be designed to encourage discussion of the assigned material and current situation in the region (It is in no way should be a summary of the readings). Students are also responsible for providing an update on the current situation of the chosen conflict. Although each week students will lead the discussion individually, it is essential that all students complete the weekly readings so as to allow for informed and stimulating conversations. Following each presentation, I will provide a written feedback on the presentation and questions. (3) Book Review (25%) – Students should pick a book from the recommended list of books or a recently published book (in consultation with the instructor) on the conflict case chosen for the research paper. The book review should be between 1,000-1,250 words and should critically discuss the argumentative strengths and weaknesses of the book. The book review is due on April 3rd. (4) Research Paper (40%) - An individual paper (15-17 pp. for undergraduate students and 25 pp. for graduate students) is due on May 8th. This assignment is meant to be a semester-long project. At the beginning of the semester students are required to choose a topic related to a particular conflict of interest. Students can explore class themes or choose an aspect of a conflict that was not covered in class for the research paper. More detailed guidelines for the research paper will be provided in class. The research paper offers students an opportunity to explore and analyze a topic/conflict of their interest in greater detail. A brief proposal, along with a tentative bibliography, is due on February 21st. The proposal will not be graded, but will get students thinking about their final papers. The proposals will be returned to students the following week with comments and suggestions. Students are encouraged to discuss ideas for papers with the instructor during office hours or by appointment. Students are strongly encouraged to utilize many opportunities to gain a better understanding of the conflicts covered in class available in Washington, DC. There are numerous think-tanks and organizations with strong interests in Eurasia. It is advisable that students attend events relevant to the material covered in class that are organized by these organizations. I will be posting announcements about such events on the blackboard. Course Policy and Procedures Classroom Etiquette: Please come to class on time and prepared. Turn off cell phones and other electronic devices. The use of laptops in class is for note-taking only. It should be acknowledged that we will be discussing contentious political issues in this course. Students are encouraged to explore diverse perspectives and express their opinions. However, students should also be mindful, and respectful of the sensitivities and views of others in their comments in class. Academic Integrity: Standards of academic conduct are set forth in the University‟s Academic Integrity Code, which can be found in the University Catalog. By registering, you have acknowledged your awareness of